Self Defense

In regards to self defense, the most important concept to remember is your common sense. Your brains will get you further than your brawns when it comes to defending yourself against personal invasions.

Self Defense Techniques

Whether on a first date or simply walking home from work, knowing some basic self defense techniques will likely avert a risky situation. Fighting is a last resort; the best self defense is prevention. Avoid becoming a victim by building your self confidence and heightening your personal protection radar.

Avoid Being the Victim

Criminals look for easy, convenient targets. Therefore, start by spending some time learning and exploring your own mental and physical limitations, in order to increase your self awareness. Building on your strengths will only improve your inner ego.

In addition, keeping your mind and body in top condition is a sure deterrent. Simple health choices such as eating right, sleeping well, and remaining physically active are self defense techniques all on their own. Avoiding drugs and excessive alcohol will help to keep you sharp and safe. This is particularly critical in uncomfortable environments such as first dates and meeting online pals. The tendency in a new situation is to want to relax with a few drinks, but this can quickly turn dangerous.

Know the Enemy

It is important to understand who the real enemy is. Too many people are open and trusting or afraid and insecure; both personas are a recipe for disaster. Overly friendly or obviously fearful individuals tend to attract creative criminals. They prey on the unrealistic emotions these types display. Not everyone is out to get you or good at heart. It is important to learn the differences in people’s behavior, to better protect yourself from mishap.

Unfortunately, there isn’t one personality type that tends to be an attacker. While you will find many articles with helpful hints on what to look out for, the most important is the most simple. Learn to trust your gut. Your instincts are a basic biological function of self defense. If a person or situation feels wrong, get out fast. Don’t debate it in your mind or question your feelings. Many past victims later recall not listening to that inner voice, don’t be one of them.

Enhance your Observation Skills

Become acutely aware of your surroundings. Start by noticing those around you. What are they doing, are they being safe? Put yourself into the mind of the criminal, where can you spy an easy target. Learn from others’ errors.

Try to avoid any confrontations, even if they seem mild at first. Assailants do not act rationally; you may not know their full intent or be completely aware of their true mental state. Often they are on drugs or acting on bizarre impulses. It is always better to run than try to stand your ground. A defeated ego is far better than a broken skull.

Safety Tips

The following is a list of common safety tips that are at the heart of self defense.

In a Car

• Keep your vehicle well maintained to avoid preventable breakdowns.
• Store a well stocked emergency kit in your car, including: cell phone, flashlight, flares, and first aid supplies.
• Always lock your car doors, even while driving.
• Be cautious about leaving windows open and ideally use air conditioning instead.
• If ever threatened in a car, take advantage of the horn and blast it loud.
• Always give your car a complete check inside and out before climbing in.

On a Walk

• If threatened on foot, ran away first if possible.
• Always walk in well lit, public areas with company.
• Carry a small flashlight and cell phone with you.
• When approaching your car or home, carry your keys in your hand to open the door quickly.
• Walk quickly, firmly, and with confidence.
• Carry personal belongings as close to your body as possible. A purse strapped across your chest, tucked under your arm or coat, is best.
• Contain money in front pant pockets or shirt and jacket pockets.
• Consider carrying a whistle.

At Home

• When approaching your front door, always take a few seconds to size up the situation.
• Do a quick look around your home when arriving to an empty house.
• Always lock your doors and windows, especially when you are home.
• Never give out personal information to strangers online or on the phone.

During a Struggle

• First remember to breathe, deeply and calmly. You may want to practice this regularly, as relaxed breathing is good for your body and critical to maintaining your sanity during a crisis.
• Make noise - blow a whistle, scream and yell, set an alarm, whatever you have at your disposal.
• Use any items you are carrying as a quick weapon – purse, briefcase, book, or even your keys can insert some uncomfortable force against an attack.
• In a struggle, target your hardest body parts (elbows, knees, feet, and fists) at their weakest points (nose, neck, ears, and eyes).
• If you carry a true weapon like mace or a gun, be sure you know how to use it properly. Unfortunately, there have been numerous cases were the victims' own gun was used against them in an attack.

The Law

While the use of self defense techniques can save you from a risky encounter, keep in mind that you must still use caution and restraint even in a fight for your life. The law stipulates the use of minimum force to defend yourself or others. If someone barges in your front door, you can’t simply take out your gun and shoot. As amazing as it may sound, you may end up being the one charged in a crime or sued by the attacker in this scenario. Ideally, it is best to protect yourself through avoidance. If you do end up in a struggle, use the minimum force necessary to allow yourself to get away safely.

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